Beating Driver Fatigue on Long Hauls

Most drivers have likely experienced that fleeting moment of drowsiness behind the wheel without even realising it. With the recent shift to daylight saving time, longer days can feel like a double-edged sword for commercial drivers. While the extra sunlight may boost morale during the day, it can also disrupt sleep patterns, especially for commercial drivers who work night shifts or have demanding schedules. As we head into the busy summer season and workloads increase, it becomes even more crucial for drivers to stay vigilant on the road.

There are many reasons to be fatigue. Poor or irregular sleep is a common issue, particularly for those on unpredictable night shifts. Lack of suitable rest breaks only makes the problem worse, leaving drivers at risk for drowsiness. Stress, anxiety and even medications can contribute to feelings of fatigue as well. Factors in each driver’s personal lives also has huge effects – you can be compliant to all fatigue regulations, but completely exhausted.

The dangers of fatigue

Drivers often underestimate their own levels of fatigue. The tendency to think, “I’m fine to drive”, can lead to catastrophic consequences. A momentary lapse in judgment can be the difference between safety and disaster. The lapse can also take form of distractions – a tired mind can often drift its focus away from the road ahead to anything else.

A big part of staying sharp is being aware of microsleep, a dangerous side effect of fatigue. A microsleep is defined as a brief loss of consciousness lasting between 0.5 to 15 seconds. During this time, a person is completely non-responsive, with their eyes either fully or partially closed, until they abruptly snap back to normal awareness. Alarmingly, many people are unaware of their lapse, which can be especially dangerous when driving.

Statistics from road safety charities, such as Brake, highlight that driver fatigue is a factor in 10-20 percent of all crashes. However, because there is no reliable method for law enforcement to test for fatigue, that number could be significantly higher. The times when drivers are most vulnerable – between 3 am and 5 am and again from 3pm to 5pm – correlate with alarming peaks in fatigue-related incidents. During these periods, physical and mental performance is at its lowest, heightening the risk of collisions.

Staying safe and alert

For those who must be on the road, several strategies can help drivers stay alert and safe. Preparing for a long drive by prioritising adequate rest before hitting the road is essential. Planning the journey to include regular rest breaks can help drivers manage their energy levels throughout the trip. Heavy meals should be avoided before a long drive, as they can make drivers drowsy.

Under Australian regulations, commercial drivers working long haul must take a break of at least 15 consecutive minutes after 5.5 hours of work time (for standard hours). Sometimes more breaks are necessary to avoid fatigue and can help drivers recharge their batteries.

If signs of fatigue begin to emerge – yawning, watery eyes, or difficulty focusing – drivers should not hesitate to pull over in a safe location and take a rest. Motorway services and laybys are ideal spots for a quick break for a snack, stretch, coffee or a bottle of water. Once fatigue has taken hold, no amount of willpower can combat it; the only effective remedy is rest.

Managing fatigue with technology

In the transport industry, understanding regulations surrounding fatigue is essential to maintain safety. However, traditional paper logbooks can make compliance difficult, often leading to inaccuracies and potential falsification.

Teletrac Navman’s electronic work diary solution offers a practical answer. This innovative technology allows drivers to easily log their start, stop, and rest times, providing alerts when it’s time for a break. With this user-friendly system, drivers can maintain compliance with health and safety regulations without the burden of manual logging. It ensures drivers know exactly where they stand regarding rest periods, while management can monitor availability under current fatigue laws.
Better management of driver fatigue is crucial to reducing injuries and fatalities on our roads. Ultimately, this is the heart of effective fatigue management: ensuring drivers and other road users all remain safe.

As commercial drivers navigate demanding schedules, prioritising rest and awareness becomes vital. Take proactive steps to manage fatigue, stay alert and stay safe. We all want to get home safely.